The Esports Industry Career Exploration grant program, administered by the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE), is designed to introduce middle school students (grades 5-8) to career opportunities in the esports industry. This initiative aims to address chronic absenteeism and high suspension rates by leveraging the popularity of esports while promoting equity, engagement, and career exploration for special populations, including multilinguistic learners (MLLs). The grant aligns esports programs with secondary Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways in high-skill, high-wage, and in-demand fields.

Key goals of the program include raising awareness of career opportunities in esports, improving attendance among middle school students participating in esports, and fostering the social and soft skills of students from special populations to prepare them for CTE fields. Eligible projects must align with approved CTE programs of study at the secondary level, linked to the following fields: Computer Programming (CIP Code 11.0201), Game and Interactive Media Design (CIP Code 50.0411), Marketing/Marketing Management (CIP Code 52.1401), Meeting and Event Planning (CIP Code 52.0907), and Radio and Television Broadcasting (CIP Code 10.0202).

The grant program offers a 14-month project period, running from May 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and is competitive in nature. Local Education Agencies (LEAs) in New Jersey serving grades 5-8 and acting as sending districts to comprehensive or County Vocational School Districts with approved CTE programs are eligible to apply. Each applicant can request up to $50,000, with a total funding pool of $250,000 available. Five awards are anticipated.

Applications are due by February 13, 2025. Interested LEAs should ensure their proposals align closely with the grant’s objectives and eligibility requirements. This grant represents an opportunity to enhance student engagement and expand access to promising career pathways within the growing esports industry.